Compliance Assessment of Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) At Point Of Sale in Ahmedabad

Abstract

Background: “Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA)” has been formulated to control tobacco epidemic. This study was conducted to assess level of awareness of COTPA among vendors and compliance at point of sale. Methods: In cross-sectional study, one of the areas of central zone was selected randomly. Vendors selling tobacco were interviewed and all point of sales observed for practice of COTPA. Results: Out of 117 vendors,71 (60.68%) were aware of only two components of COTPA such as tobacco should not be sold to/by minor and there is a pictorial health warning label. Only 6 (5.13%) shops displayed board regarding “No sell of tobacco to minor.” 24 (20.51%) shops were located within 100 yards of educational insti-tute. Implementation of section 5 (Prohibition of brand promotion of all tobacco products) of COTPA act has been observed in all. For the non-compliance, only 19 (16.23%) vendors were fined. Conclusion: There is need for creating awareness about COTPA among vendors. Strict implementation by authority for non-compliance needed as study observed poor level of awareness and action.